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This is the second part of a two-part interview with This American Life contributing editor Jack Hitt about his recent book, Bunch of Amateurs, published by The Crown Publishing Group. Read the first part of my interview here. Be sure to read through to the end of the interview for an opportunity to win an awesome prize. This one will surely inspire the amateur in whoever wins!

MAKE: The word “backyard” in the United States conveys the image of someone working outside institutional or “credentialed” constraints (backyard scientist, for example), not solely the outdoor space behind a home. What is it about the American character, and even lexicon, that allows for such a unique understanding of who and what an amateur is (and where they work)?

Jack Hitt: This basic narrative—the immigrant journey, lighting out for the territories, or going West, young man—gets played out in miniature in many backyards. That distance from the house—with its domestic burdens of spouse and children, bills and realistic demands—all the way to the dreamy loopy inventive freedom of a garage is more existential than geographical. It wasn’t mere serendipity that led David Packard, at the height of the Depression in 1938, to grab his pal William Hewlett and slip into his garage at 367 Addison Avenue in Palo Alto. The place has since been restored to its original look and is now a Registered Historic Landmark, acknowledging this very American temple of self-motivated ingenuity. Who doubts that the same landmark status awaits 2066 Crist Drive in Los Altos where Jobs and Wozniak squirreled away during the crummy days of mid-seventies stagflation to invent the desktop computer? The Maker movement flowers in the wreck of the worst economic contraction since 1929 or perhaps 1893. Coincidence?

MAKE: Did you ever find yourself attracted to the fields of amateur study you yourself were writing about? Or do you consider yourself an amateur of any field since writing about it?

Jack: Personally and most recently, I have been fiddling around with solar panels and a home-built electric car. If you’re asking the question as a therapist, I’d say my interest dates back to the time when I was eleven and my dad took me into his little workspace beneath the staircase in our house. He was fixing something and showed me how to operate a drill. Not long after, he died, and I guess on some level, I’ve been trying to get back to that place beneath the stairs ever since.

MAKE: Throughout your book there is this recurring topic of genealogy. Not only of your own genealogical quest (as “the great48-grandson of Charlemagne”), but of amateurs tracing a line back through American history (via writers, inventors, actors, etc.). Why do amateurs – I’m thinking about the Spirit of America here – reference their creative progenitors? Is it because we as a country are still so new? Or are there other conditions, factors of influence that also shape this spirit?

Jack: We all grow up being told that our ancestors came here because they longed to escape tyranny and sought religious freedom. Um, please. That’s a choice bit of marketing, frankly. Ask any British grade-school student who the Puritans were and they’ll tell you terrorists and extremists. And that’s more true than not. Otherwise we were indentured servants brought here under contract or slaves stolen out of their houses or second sons from England, chafing under the nonsense of primogeniture. From the passenger manifest of the Mayflower to characters in the mini-series Roots, it is a common story of embittered newcomers, cut off from a past and driven to begin afresh. That is what created our national character, or what we might now kindly call the amateur spirit. F. Scott Fitzgerald once foolishly said, “There are no second acts in American lives.” What was he drinking? This is the land of nothing but. Starting from scratch — amateurism — is all that we got, a fact we rediscover in the aftermath of every wave of immigrants or economic collapse.

MAKE: And lastly for our readers, do you have any words for makers to reconcile their dreams, their aspirations, with the “pursuit of happiness”, not only with regards to the Declaration of Independence, but also to the playful nature of being an amateur as you frame it.

Jack: Most people know that Thomas Jefferson is the author of the Declaration. But less known is that John Adams edited the draft (almost certainly for the legal concepts), and Ben Franklin edited it too, probably for the felicitious and sly phrasing for which he was famous. In those days the cliché phrase that would ring in anyone’s ear was “life, liberty and property.”—the classic British notion of why governments were instituted at all. I like to credit Franklin for that little edit. We don’t know for sure. But it’s hard to imagine Franklin not being displeased at the ungainly thud of that last word— “property.” For England, a nation obsessed for nearly a millennium over the role of land, it made sense. But Franklin wrote a good bit about happiness and the role random chance had in it. One of his favorite images was the kite. He wrote a piece about floating on his back in the Boston harbor as a little boy, being pulled here and there by his kite. An exaggeration to be sure (imagine an 18th century kite doing anything other than getting airborne) but Franklin understood the unquantifiable element in all creativity, one that Makers understand in their core but which eludes the flat-footed B-school profs who write those plodding tomes every season about “entrepreneurialism” and “innovation.” The thing they can’t put their finger quite on is that sense of playfulness, the cheery free-floating randomness of being caught in the flow of an obsessive idea, lost in a garage. Franklin captured it in an airy, somewhat ungraspable phrase, the pursuit of happiness—setting into motion the real American dream.

That concludes our two-part interview with Jack Hitt. Thanks to Jack for his time and to you for reading. And now for our final prize giveaway, and yes, that’s a robot up for grabs! Specifically, it’s a LEGO® MINDSTORMS® NXT 2.0, a buildable, programmable robot. This kit comes with 612 pieces and instructions to build up to 4 types of ‘bots.

To enter to win: All you have to do is leave a comment below! Comments left before June 14th at 11:59PM PST will be eligible to win this prize. Be sure to leave a valid email so we can contact you if you win. Feel free to tell a story about your own amateur pursuits, although it’s not necessary for a chance to win. For complete rules, click here.

These prizes are provided by The Crown Publishing Group, publishers of Bunch of Amateurs.

I’m an artist & maker. A lifelong biblioholic, and advocate for all-things geekathon. Home is Long Island City, Queens, which I consider the greatest place on Earth. 5-year former Resident of Flux Factory, co-organizer for World Maker Faire (NYC), and blogger all over the net. Howdy!

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I love that he simultaneously recognizes the process of collaborating that makes stuff great, while embracing the randomness and free flow that is required.

Tom Wilk

I could totally use a new NXT kit. My NXT brick has died on me.

Totokan

An interesting read and certainly a different viewpoint than the usual one presented in schools.

Jim Johnson

This is a great interview. It is the sense to make something of our own that is the essence of the American Spirit.

Dan Koss

Great interview!

FredB

Hands on is the best way to understand how things work, how people work. I have always made my own toys. Sometimes that is the only way to get exactly what I want.

Chris H.

That part about trying to get back to his childhood is so familiar. Doing electronics projects as an amateur makes me feel a little child-like, and my amazement when a little tinkering project actually works is a lot like childhood surprise.

http://www.crazybutable.com crazybutable

Man, you couldn’t have said it better! That thrill when you take your idea from just an idea to seeing it actual real life, and it works, just like you expect! I love it.

http://bobbyhobbylobby.wordpress.com Bobby Porter

What a great commentary on (amateur) making. I’ll have to read his book now.

Paul Arkay

Nice interview, we make because we need to…

http://www.facebook.com/paul.procure Paul Procure

I just read the synbio chapter and was left with this idea: once upon a time we would refer to a simple activity (something that a basically skilled person could do) as “not being rocket science”… It is apparent that we have to reevaluate what is outside the scope of “average” human endeavour. With teenagers sending iPhones to the ionoshere and, specifically, steam punk hackers recombining DNA to create glow in the dark yogurt it would appear that the only thing outside the “amateurs” grasp is that which they haven’t considered yet.

emccann

A robot? Yes please!

Zack

Lego robot? Yes please

http://happyhomesteadhood.wordpress.com landisb

I really can’t wait to read this book. Great interview!

http://etnyrewines.com Ethan E

Great interview. Thanks for the chance to win an NXT

Sandy

One of the great things about America is that you can try, fail and try something else. Playfulness, experimentation and being willing to fail make for great inventions.

senojcet

Great interview!

http://www.facebook.com/jennifer.s.castro.7 Jennifer Smith Castro

What a great post and a fantastic giveaway!

http://www.facebook.com/PelicanFeathers Tommy Phillips

Looking forward to getting my hands on this book. It seems to be part of a growing awareness of the maker spirit in mainstream culture.

http://twitter.com/Crow Crow (@Crow)

That was a very cool interview. Also, I love me some robots. And Lego.

http://www.facebook.com/Gary.oh Gary Oshust

I grew up with the maker spirit all around me. My grandfather taught me rebuilding engines and the art of jury rigging on the farm. My dad’s unbridled enthusiasm to try making your visions come to light even if you have no formal training in the medium. Spending hours with my step dad in the dark room developing pictures. And now I’m embarking on opening my own maker shop SPark Workshop Brooklyn. This interview really connected with me.

http://www.facebook.com/Pixelmixer Dustin Sparks

This is interesting. There are some elementary schools near where I live that are doing Mindstorm projects to teach kids analytical thinking, basic engineering and programming. Very cool idea.

aj34

nice interview!

Bailey S.

My amateur projects are mostly cooking related right now, but my soldering iron is always at the ready! The robots would be fun to share with my kid sister.

kcmccready

Make mine the KILLER Lego robot system, please!

Jack Van Gossen

Excellent point about “amateurs” rising up in the wake of economic collapse. I feel like we stand at the forefront of a new great age of invention and science at the hands of “backyard scientists,” if only we can get through this current crisis.

http://www.burningriverlabs.com Marcus Dobeck

I’ve ALWAYS wanted to mess around with one of these kits. Cost prohibitive, at least now anyway.

JSC

The book is on my Father’s Day wish list. Getting the Lego robot system along with would be great.

http://gravatar.com/rbwilliams207 rbwilliams

Exactly right. This is the land of nothing but second chances. Bill Clinton once said that a person deserves as many second chances as one was willing to take. Now, with online identities, our ability to “re-brand” or re-make ourselves is easier than ever.

NIck Carter

That was a good read.

Greg C.

This is a great piece on the American amateur spirit. Thanks MAKE for continuing to inspire us through the interviews and blog posts. It is part of my daily routine to checkout what new on the Makezine Blog.

Spencer

An interesting and rousing interview! I’ve added the book to my list of future reads in between my own amateur pursuits.

http://gravatar.com/thedanrobbins danrobbins

I’d love for my six year old daughter to get into MAKEing, and Lego Mindstorms seems like a great entry point.

http://www.facebook.com/bintzimf Miles F. Bintz II

I like this guy. Thinking out side the box, being a little blunt, and more than a little thought provoking. Awesome! :)

TShaw

Time to get my enthusiasm back! I think it’s easy to discredit ourselves as amateur (of the “rank” variety) and let that maker spirit be quenched.

https://plus.google.com/u/0/106582999919783412711/about Nate Winesett

My daughter and I have been saving for a NXT 2.0! I can’t wait until it is ours!

Clinton

This was a great interview. Thanks!
My 10 year old son would love that Lego Robot (let’s not kid ourselves, so would I!)

Amanda Heyen

What a fantasic contest offer! My son regularly introduces himself as an inventor and one of his main obsessions is robots. This would be a dream come true for him. Thanks for the opportunity.

http://scrbrd.com Brad

Hey I’m an amateur.

Scott MacHaffie

We’re trying to install a habit of making in our twin boys. We would love a Lego NXT.

http://v8media.com Ian Page-Echols

Definitely most of the interesting and worthwhile things in this country started out as ideas from single people, and the vast majority of those started outside of large companies. If you think of something that makes sense to you, and excites the people around you, it just might make sense to put a lot of effort towards.

Looks like that book might be worth picking up.

Manin

I think the “maker genealogy” plays a key role in the establishment of a true maker culture. Here in Brazil, children and teenagers have no such things like craft classes in school/college, and all makers I know here (myself included) was inspired exclusively by their “creative progenitors”. Unfortunately, we still have only a “subsistence makeculture”: some people here do really awesome things – but only to solve problems they have at home, with few to do with innovation.

Timothy Smith

I’ve been anxious to build a Lego pick and place machine. Thanks for the giveaway.

Kelly

Nice interview. I’ll definitely be reading the book.

Derek cleveland

Words… ME want want… Robo

Deenie keeler

It’s so ironic that as we become adults we forgot how to imagine, how to invent, how to create. Last summer my son had the chance to make a primitive robot out of a toothbrush, a watch battery and some miscellaneous parts. What a great contest! Imagine if this opportunity is the moment where a child could realize their calling in life. Who knows, this could give some special person a rare moment to explore their dream…NASA here we come?

J McD

I’ve been MAKING all my life! It is an inborn drive to change our world for the better. My most recent making has been landscaping.

http://www.facebook.com/linda.keeler.54 Linda Keeler

Cool robot!!

Marilyn J

Great write up! Nice lego prize

http://www.facebook.com/daniel.harrigan.50 Daniel Harrigan

loved the interview!

Mutizwa Chirunga

With the NXT 2.0, my sons and I can FINALLY take over the world…or use them for the betterment of all mankind. Decisions-

http://www.codenewfie.com Ryan Woodford

Ordering the book now!

Elden W

Great interview… thanks for the post!

Joshua Simpson

What I love about this most recent Maker movement which is something Jack eluded to a couple of times in the interview; the fact that kids are so involved in learning new things and experiencing the world in new ways. For example even though I had great fun at the Seattle mini maker faire I had far more joy in watching my three year olds sense of wonder. I will be ordering a copy of this book as well.

victor tun

This book looks to be a good read. Good interview!

kurtroedeger

Wonderful interview. Going to put that book on my wishlist.

G Yates

book seems a good read – on my wish list

Bruce Bullis

Your book is on my reserve list, at my local library. :)

I think many of us are daunted by the enormity of life shift necessary to emulate (even partially) the level of self-reliance, resourcefulness, make-do-ism (copyright!), and involvement with the things in our own lives, that our forbearers displayed.

I know I’m reluctant to abandon the selfish, wasteful, indulgent simplicity of “just throw it away and get a new one”, in favor if “if it’s broke, FIX IT”.

And to think, if I actually tried to use all the food that makes its way through my kitchen, I might not get to eat precisely what I feel like (including an obligatory dessert) at every single meal. The horror! The privation!

Jarrod Sears

What a great article!

http://twitter.com/SGuilloryNC Sharon Guillory (@SGuilloryNC)

Great interview. Looking forward to the book.

Tom Anzalone

Great article! Hope to win the Lego set as my son is maker! I will have to search out for this book in my local library.

I just listened to an episode to TAL (not five minutes ago!) where Mr. Hitt told the story of how he was almost murdered by his landlord before a Brazillian former death squad torturer intervened to save his life.

I love this guy. And Mindstorm.

Laura Baran

Great interview. Might pick up the book for my tinkers at home.

http://www.facebook.com/mrchrisreyes Christopher Reyes

A refreshing look at the role of the amateur in building our country. I am always amazed how long a country’s founding can influence its identity.

http://www.qtechknow.com Ethan

I would like a NXT 2.0 kit!!!!!!

http://twitter.com/Nodinsnest DJ@Nodinsnest (@Nodinsnest)

My son is just starting to create and loves ronots. Hope he too becomes an amateur builder.

dldatwyler

Amateurs, with real tools (thank you freeware and open source), are not really “amatuer” any more. The results are very professional.

http://blogs.sccs.swarthmore.edu/julianleland Julian Leland

Seconded on the changing nature of the “amateur” designation. Great interview!

http://rasterweb.net/raster/ raster

Make Magazine *and* This American Life? Finally, something my wife and I can both enjoy. ;)

Gary Ferguson

I would love one of these!!! Thanks,

Neal T. Leverenz

My father used to build electronics and repair TV’s when I was young. He also died when I was in my teens. I have since been tinkering with all kinds of projects. It all started when I repaired one of the TV’s that my father built. From there, if anything broke, I would pull out my screw driver and tear it apart. I really enjoyed this interview.

Tom

Encouragement enough to purchase the book. Looking forward to this insight.

Kyle Campbell

My kid is getting into legos, it would be fun to have these around as my Minestorms 1.0 are long dead.

Justin Mamaril

I would love a Mindstorm!!

Colby Higgs

Smart guy!

Tricia

I never knew that tidbit about ” life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” – interesting!

Would love to win a mindstorms kit for my 9yo – he’d really enjoy learning how to program it.

http://twitter.com/Justbennett Justbennett (@Justbennett)

Every maker should read Ben Franklin’s autobiography. Very interesting.

Nick Normal

I completely agree. I last read it in 2004 and I think it’s due for another pass. Cheers!

Eugene

My son would love a Mindstorm

http://www.facebook.com/eadhed Scott David Edwards

interesting that one of the most problematic aspects of making stuff is tied up with property rights aka intellectual property.

http://www.facebook.com/steven.syzdek Steven Syzdek

The interview was interesting. I sure wish I had toys like the Lego Mindstorm when I was growing up in the ’50’s

http://www.facebook.com/acspike Aaron Spike

I wish society was more willing to accept and encourage amateurs. We got to start somewhere folks!

http://www.ransomhall.com Eric Hall

Will pick up the book and dream of Lego robots…

chris

Robuts!

Bill Morgan

I’ve always wanted to play with NXT!

Kiral Poon

I really like the NXT 2.0 were using it for one of the design competition. It is a nice product that easy to program.

Kenneth McDade

The Future and Beyond!

David Bernier

Thanks for the interview!

Jonathan Bydendyk

Awesome, when can I expect my Mindstorm ;)

http://contractorwolf.wordpress.com contractorwolf

I like this because I too labor away for hours working on micro controller projects. Having a space for all my tools and parts is heaven, there is almost no where I’d rather be :)

http://www.designedbystarla.com Starla Huchton

What he said about Franklin is so true, but I think it’s something we, as a people, tend to forget. That key word “happiness” gets lost in the quest for the almighty dollar that we seem to put above all else. Those at the top struggle to keep their money, even though many of the new rich got there by following something that made them happy, that all-consuming Idea. A very insightful interview. Thank you for sharing it!

larry J

Great post. Enjoyed reading it.

Dan Brandow

Great interview! It is sad how far HP has fallen. Very indicative of the failures of corporate culture, and values the maker culture is attempting to resurrect.

Debra D.

I made a robot using LEGO Mindstorms for an art class project. I gave the set to my nephew, so I would love to win a new set.

http://www.nightrover.org Alysia Caryl

Creativity studies show that real prolific creators are intrinistically motivated.

Kiral Poon

I were using it in the design engineering competition. I love this device have so many easy to plug in parts with no interfacing trouble and so easy to program. I learn to program it immediately that day.

http://twitter.com/whoiskevin Kevin Brown (@whoiskevin)

Interesting interview. Now to hook up the NXT to a solar panel!

C. M.

Liked the interview. like the idea of the robot, too.

frick franklin

Clean out a corner of your mind and creativity will instantly fill it.
— Dee Hock

Deon P

Sounds like a book I will definitely check out, great interview

Andrew Vandever

Legos and robots are a good combo. :)

Gary M

This would be a great place to start since I’ve always wanted to build a robot but never had the confidence to try it.

http://www.facebook.com/valark.kei Valark Kei

I would like to win this very much^^

Daniel Arsene

Great interview. I like robots!!!

Solomon Chambers

I would love to win a Lego Mindstorms kit so I may introduce my son into the world of ‘bots and Arduino type projects that I enjoy.

http://www.zieak.com zieakZieak

I remember LEGO “minifigs” that didn’t have articulating limbs. That was back when my limbs didn’t articulate much either. Many improvements later (for both me and the LEGO) and now we’re both playing with computers.

http://www.facebook.com/jeremie.santos Jeremie Santos

Hooray Robotics

http://gravatar.com/pbespaly Pete Bespaly

Summer is a good time to explore building robots with my kids. Sign me up.

Brad Manske

Now this would be a Fathers Day treat. Of course, I’d have to fight the kids for it. I’d loose, but they’ll make nice with me when they need help with the programming. :-)

Roger Ulrich

Cool interview!

Roger Ulrich

OK

https://twitter.com/#!/George_Hahn George Hahn

Loved the interview. A big thank you to everyone who makes MAKE happen.

<3

http://gravatar.com/roffemuffe roffemuffeolf Mouritsen

Lego rules, Lego with robotics is… uhm… even better!

In the process of build an automated pump with the NXT 1.0 to provide a steady supply of water to the steam engine. However, it’s not mine, so here’s for winning!

http://roffemuffe.wordpress.com roffemuffe

haha, what a weird name I have! :)

Alex F

My 6yo begs me weeky for a chance to someday own and build a cool robot, and he’s crazy about Lego, to boot. He’s been so focused on the NXT stuff every time he sees an ad or a catalog mention, but there’s no way we can afford one.

One thing we have talked about is looking into FIRST robotics and setting up a team; there isn’t a younger-kids team locally at all. And looking at the supplies prerequisites, I see why. It’s relatively cheap for some people, but not for us! Fundraising is an option, but winning one would really take a huge load off getting started!

We’d love a chance at making a lot of dreams come true–mine, his, and other area kids as well. Thanks!

Argosytech

I agree, that being “lost in a garage” is winding road that ends the pursuit and finds the ever elusive happiness! Nothing tops the high of when, finally, it works!

Paul Stokes

This has inspired me to complete my workshop in the garden. Only 3 years in the making so far and still not weather-tight :-)

http://gravatar.com/alee67 Andrew

The interview certainly provides some food for thought.

http://virtality.net Juan Rubio

I like the metaphor of the backyard for the going somewhere, traveling, the American dream. And I want me some Lego NXT.

Richard Jones

I’ve always been an amateur tinkerer. I’ve loved to play and tinker with most anything I can get my hands on, since chilhood. This joyous pasttime is actually enjoying a little researgence recently as well. Ill definately be looking for this book. Great interview.

-Richard

David Owen

That Lego NXT kit would make for some great father-and-son time!

http://gravatar.com/flyingjenny flyingjenny

Legos and robots are two of my favorite things. Put them together and wow!

http://twitter.com/doctordave Dave M (@doctordave)

I’m a HUGE fan of the Mindstorms system, and use them in my classes, but I left the batteries in my NXT in the basement and KILLED IT!. So a replacement would be like an organ donation to my poor comatose robot!

Jim VV

I’m trying to raise my daughter to have this same tinkerer spirit. I’ll have to check the book out…

jason

Mindstorm. Awesome.

Kimmo Lahtinen

I saw yesterday a tv program “Made in America” and I felt a little sad as many products there were copycats, it is difficult to find really inventive products now. I just bought the book and I am hoping that I enjoy it, the article was interesting.

Addidis

Who can resist a top end Lego kit ? I always had Lego’s when I was a kid, but never cool robotic Lego’s :)

http://skotomorphogenesis.tumblr.com/ Slurm

So I get Legos if I win!?

John Napoleone

Gotta love the American Dream.

http://gravatar.com/danceswithrobots David Contreni

I’m building a robot. Which, if you count the box I drew a face on and taped to a tethered remote control car, I’ve been doing since I was five years old. Finally, the technology is to the point where, I can just about build the robot I’ve always wanted–and with skills I actually posess. (Which, realistically, aren’t all that advanced from taping boxes to toy cars.} I guess this represents the fulfilment of a lifelong dream with roots that go deep into my childhood. I’ve wondered what that says about me, and after reading this article, I think I have a better idea.

http://thinkamingo.com Jon Adair

It’s a great time to be a maker – amateur or not.

Matt

Good article – thanx for the read!

http://gravatar.com/jpdelacroix Jean-Pierre de la Croix

A Lego Mindstorms NXT kit would be fantastic to have. I grew up with the original Lego Mindstorms and today these kits are still one of the best ways to prototype an idea.

Abtin

Some call it man-cave, some call it workshop, but I’m in HEAVEN when I’m tinkering with my projects in my little space.

Robert

I’ve been teaching my kid the love of DIY electronics, starting with SnapCircuits. An NXT would be an awesome next step!

Troy

Nice.

http://www.facebook.com/ethan.myerson Ethan Myerson

I’ve really been an amateur my whole professional life. I had my training as a graphic designer, but I’ve been working as a photographer for years, a skill I taught myself. I’m constantly tinkering with new products, new methods, new ideas for education, game design, and lighting. I always took this to be a sign of my own special kind of ADD, but maybe it’s just my American spirit.

http://www.facebook.com/BRPCRepair Jeffrey Smith

I want a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 ROBOT

yggdkatie

Oh my kid would plotz. And the article is not bad either :)

http://www.sciencebuddies.org/blog Amy

Looks like an interesting read. Love the section in the interview about Ben Franklin’s wordsmithing, too!

http://Manganlabs.com John

Great article! Thanks.

Chris

Very cool. Looking forward for more intriguing interviews and articles.

I would love to tinker with an NXT! I’ve seen some amazing things built by amateurs.

Matthew denault

This looks like an interesting book, there needs to be more backyard amateurs. You could say that’s me in my family, I’m always given broken things to fix, through my tinkering with everything I know how stuff works and what’s wrong when they break

Cal

I’m in

http://Evans Matthew

Very Interesting

Jake Spencer

Great interview!

http://MidnightFantasy.com Matt Schreiner

Awesome! Ping!

http://gravatar.com/mrclaudebaggers Grissini

Amateurs are the pro’s of the Future.

Naomi Orlovsky

We liked the article. It was inspiring and the historical views were interesting. :-) I am an amateur herbalist and homesteader trying to be as self-sufficient as possible. I teach my children to try to think outside of the box and view things from different angles. They are becoming our future tinkerers and up-cyclers and are inspired by what they read, view, and absorb. My son recently read an article about robotics engineering that concerned him (regarding the use of robotics control of living rats). It led to some very intense thoughts and conversations, which in turn, led to some very interesting ideas! Let the inspirations continue!

Mark Trunnell

I coach our high school robotics team. It is very difficult to get the students to see than not every problem has been solved. Go at it, play around, and see what you can come up with. When others see your idea that may strike a new idea in them and they take it a little farther. The important problems are never solved by one person in one day.

Jay Pease

I find it interesting that he links the drive to create something new to the drive to explore and expand. Growing up in the west, first job was on a large cattle ranch, I have always found the urge to explore. Growing up poor was my inspiration to fix and make better — my first stereo came from that a broken unit that I found and had to tear apart and figure out how to make it work.

Ley Hathcock

Insightful, and some interesting parallels drawn.

William S.

I’ll have to put this on my reading list.

Ben Ruesga

Brilliant!

Mark Reynolds

Sounds like a great book I will have to pick up.

JM

Always wanted a robot :-)

FourthDr

Danger! Danger! Will Robinson!!! :-D

Noah D.

I loved this interview, it was wonderful. I especially liked the part where he recognized his inspiration came from the special bonding moment between him and his father, yet it was very saddening to hear he had died shortly after. It has made me reflect and wonder where my own tinkering inspiration comes from and has reminded me to be appreciative of the many people who help to influence my own life.

Will

Very cool interview. I like this guy.

http://www.ryanpourcillie.com Ryan Pourcillie

I was just talking about building a kit like this with my brother and cousin. It would be awesome to win one and have something to teach them about robots with.

I enjoy the image of Franklin pulled about the water by a kite: happiness.

http://imre.polik.net Imre Polik

Oh, that would be cool. Also, nice interview.

http://ianharwick.com ianharwick

This would an awesome project for my nephew and I.

walter nichols

He’s got it right. Americans are all about ingenuity.

ricsiga

we are the robots.

http://signature-stationery.com/ Zachary

If you build something and it does not work, just think how much more fun you’re going to have the second attempt.

Ravi Sekhon

I’d love to win this kit!

roboman012

Got redirected to post here via the facebook post lol.

david n.

great interview. would love to win the nxt kit

http://www.facebook.com/tdennis14 Tim Dennis

Great article just started reading “Bunch of Amateurs”, so far so good.

E.J. McKernan

We’d like an NXT kit.

Jaime Carrera

An excellent article.

Jessie Kottmeyer

My Dad has instilled in me the maker mind set. The book sounds like an inspiration and I need to get a copy.

Mark Kottmeyer

I really like the sounds of this book. As a programmer I have run into many managers that don’t get the idea that it is good to “play” that I would love to hand this book to.

Carolyn K.

I can’t wait to read this; I love do-it-yourself! I wish my dad had taught me in the basement with my brother, but… at least I got to play with the science lab kit. I agree – this is America – where anyone can build anything, and a teenager can build a nuclear reactor. Go for it!

as “backyard” robotics enthusiasts, our family would love to win the mindstorm kit! thank you!

Cam Marshall

Love mindstorms, but never picked up NXT!

http://twitter.com/Technogasms Sean Riley (@Technogasms)

Not one I was familiar with before the interview, I’ll give it a shot he sounds like an interesting fellow.

Shannon Moore

I, for one, welcome our Mindstorm Robot Overlords…

http://gravatar.com/boblabla jeff_williams

Great giveaway. I’d love it.

Tess

My hubby would LOVE this LEGO robot!

http://twitter.com/XanthicSky Mark K (@XanthicSky)

My son would love building with the NXT. We have looked at them for several months now. Good luck everyone!

http://Origamiyoda.com Tom Angleberger

My dream is a “backyard” automated loom. I have a decent Semi-autoated loom made from k.nex, but it’s the flying shuttle that has me stymied. The Flying Shuttle really is one of the most amazing inventions going…

http://gravatar.com/timcanny timcanny

This would be a great summer project for my son.

dave bauer

I would like a robot.

http://thespaceport.us Mark T. Clemente (@mtclemente)

Great interview! Love the MAKE movement!

Alecia

Legos! Yay!

Tim M.

There is nothing more satisfying than the moment when everything becomes clear to the amateur.

http://twitter.com/TuggBoat Tuggers (@TuggBoat)

I want a robot!

Andrew Hard

Oh wow! Lego mind storms are amazing. Of I won this I would love to tinker with it and build all kinds of things. Or maybe give it to my lovely niece so she can learn to love the nerdy side of life!

http://twitter.com/mwilkinson3 Michael Wilkinson (@mwilkinson3)

Growing up in rural Iowa, the DYI spirit (complex) was in the very air we breathed. Very much looking forward to giving Bunch of Amateurs a read. Keep in mind the Wright Bros, Goddard, were all “backyard” scientists and engineers and look where they took us! Please throw my name in the coffee can for a Mindstorm to tinker with!

James

I think it is so important for kids to learn science and learn how stuff works. The only way for them to learn how to make our world a better place is to learn how stuff works. Since it’s summer, my kids are working on outdoor project (like the air powered rocket launcher, my 8 year old daughter is building). I would love to have an NXT for them to build with over the winter.

http://twitter.com/AtulTMistry Atul Mistry (@AtulTMistry)

Great interview!

chris briem

Robot Rumble!

http://skyviewscience.blogspot.com Todd Seip

I teach science at a middle school in Pueblo, CO. I was able to borrow a couple of Mindstorms NXT kits from the local college for a science lesson. Amazing to watch how they completely captivated my 8th graders.

http://www.vintagevolts.com Jeff Salzman

I’m beginning to realize that today’s “tinkerers” are doing it more out of necessity than curiosity, even though the latter is important also.

It’s tough to buy something that is easily repairable and ends up simply being replaced, usually at a higher cost than a repair. Over time, we’ve ended up having surplus inoperable devices whose components could be repurposed instead of being thrown away. Thus begat the tinkerer, whose vivid imaginations help bestow a myriad of creative devices upon the world.

Sean Stoops

This American Life and robots! That’s a great combination!

brianeh

LabView or RobotC. How shall I hack thee?

Juli Fowler

Yes, please.

http://www.misstessamelissa.com misstessamelissa

Wow, my son has been asking for the Mindstorm kit for almost a year now. He has buckets of Legos and builds the most amazing things, and he’s only 5 years old. It would be amazing for him to have. *fingers crossed*

Johnnie Blevins

I’d certainly like a robot.

Ryan

LEGO + Robotics = Meaning of Life = NXT

if (NXT == won)
printf(“NO WAY!!!”);
else
printf(“TOTALLY UNFAIR!”);

Yep, I sure could use one ;)

Barbara Zaborowski

Great interview!

Dan Brandow

It is too bad about HP’s culture drifting into corporate mediocrity. Now it is time fit DIYers to show true creativity!

Love building with my kids now and seeing their young imagination explode.

allan

played with the droid developer for a few years. would love to try out the nxt

http://gravatar.com/johnbiehler1 John Biehler

Great interview and contest…plus I’d like to win a robot!

http://coderposters.com Todd

great interview. thanks!

Joel Smith

Great interview. I think he’s on to something.

http://www.nicholasclewis.com Nicholas C Lewis

I would love to win the NXT robot kit.

http://itproctology.blogspot.com BrianEh

LabView or RobotC. How shall I hack thee?

http://twitter.com/DirtyHard Drew Hard (@DirtyHard)

Man, I WISH I could win that. Would be so much fun to play with my niece and teach her that it’s ok to enjoy the nerdier side of life…. because nerds have the best toys!

http://www.thebonuspointband.com Ash Kizer

These robots are great! I want a kit so that I can teach my 5th grade students robotics.

Charlton

Neat

Bryan Ake

I haven’t played with LEGO robotics for a long time – they’ve improved a lot since the original Mindstorms system!

Bill Clagett

Often, if you don’t realize that something can’t be done, you can do it.

I’m a mentor for a LEGO League team and could really use my own NXT to learn at home. I have an old RCX, but there’s a world of difference.

Peace, love, and LEGOs.

Doug Wilson

Robots rule. My children need to learn robotics.

http://gravatar.com/mimir557 Andrew B.

I have wanted to try one of these sets since the original Mindstorm kits when I was a kid!

GCF

Robots!!!!!

Peter Richards

Here’s to hoping!

luke ty

LEGOs and robots r cool. i remember playing w/ mindstorm as an ‘assignment’ in grad school where we broke into teams and had a battle. It was a welcome respite from the rigors of our regular assignments… almost like a mini-vacationa

Erik Lane

Ooh, that would be a great thing to start my kids into robots and tinkering. (Well, I guess it wouldn’t quite be the first thing they tinkered on, but it should be able to survive it better…) I am a budding electrical engineer and I have all kinds of plans on getting them into making things with me.

http://twitter.com/toddtrann Todd Trann (@toddtrann)

Yay! Kids and robots! You guys rock.

http://twitter.com/orvtech Oliver (@orvtech)

This would such a sweet thing to play/hack with.
In before it ends!

Gerry Phibbs

Very interesting and inspiring interview..

http://ReactiveSubstance.com EJ

Great interview. One more to add to the reading list.

joshua s. fields

mindstorms reminds me of my younger days with erector and technics sets. good times.

http://www.stretchyboy.co.uk stretchyboy

Over at http://www.access-space.org and other hack spaces all over the world the amateurs without resources get their hands on the kit to make and invent and forge the future how they want it.

http://gravatar.com/mountainmoonandsea Diane

“The thing they can’t put their finger quite on is that sense of playfulness, the cheery free-floating randomness of being caught in the flow of an obsessive idea, lost in a garage.”
Tinkering is becoming a lost art. Most of my best work comes from just allowing myself to play with materials, like I did as a kid playing with Lego. :)

Xavier

This would be my first next set!

http://gravatar.com/jawillis1 jawillis1

Such a strong understanding of (all of) our creative abilities. Good read!

http://www.facebook.com/JEDoucet John Doucet

As an amateur at pretty much everything, I think the author has a number of good points. Keep on making!

Manuel Villagra

Man, I would love a Mindstorm!

Jason Shelton

I’d like to win!

daniel charny

Making is a way of thinking! Thank you MAKE for the interview, looking forward to reading the book

stefano

MAKEing is a way of life

http://www.gullicksonlaboratories.com Jason Gullickson

My daughter would make good use of this to automate her veterinarian efforts…

mpk

Want

mahdireilly

lego my lego.

Bill Sharar

Cool interview. I’ll have to check out the book.
I’d really love to tinker with the Lego Mindstorms NXT 2.0 with my daughter!

Rob M

Great interview, great contest, great Legos & The great Make

Kenneth McDade

Great interview. Love Make Magazine and Lego as well.

Travis Johnson

My 4 year old is obsessed with robots and wants this set, of course daddy wants it too.

http://tonywallace.com Tony Wallace

I don’t think you can overstate the importance of amateur research and discovery. This book will go on my reading list.